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Monday, March 03, 2008

Susan Meissner's Blue Heart Blessed ~ Reviewed

Daisy Murien is a hopeful romantic...despite the fact her fiancé broke their engagement just ten days before the wedding. What better remedy for heartbreak than to open a secondhand wedding dress boutique, where she can offer castoff wedding dresses a second chance at love?

As Daisy slowly navigates her way out of loss and loneliness, she finds an unusual confidant in Father Laurent, the retired Episcopal priest who blesses the tine blue satin hearts she sews into each dress she sells. When the minister falls ill, Daisy is confronted by Ramsey Laurent, the man's brooding and recently divorced son, who arrives to take his ailing father away. A contest of wills begins between the two stubborn and hurting souls.

While fighting to keep Father Laurent close by, Daisy finally begins to understand why she has routinely persuaded potential buyers not to buy the one gown she that started her business—her own. And as with most matters of the heart, no one is more surprised at the reason than Daisy herself.

Review:

Heartwarming and funny, Blue Heart Blessed has to be made into a movie. Someone call Hollywood! Start with one tenderhearted but flawed leading lady who journals to her alter ego, Harriett, who dispenses advice. Toss in a comical side-kick or two, a confidant, and top it off with a handsome, brooding hero and you have a hit. And Meissner does.

Set in an old hotel that's been turned into retail space with apartments above, The Finland, which Daisy manages besides having her business there, is nearly a character in the story where most of the other characters live. There's the retired priest and the Latin couple who open their doors every Sunday afternoon for a communal meal. She sews for Daisy and he is the building caretaker. Can you see the recipe for a great story in this novel?

I haven't yet read a book by Susan Meissner that I didn't love, and Blue Heart Blessed tops the list of favorites. Novel Reviews and I give it our highest recommendation.